Episode 52: From Startup to Success: Dylan’s (Shirt Show) Journey in the Printing Industry

In this episode of The Print Entrepreneur Show, we sit down with Dylan Gilligan, co-founder of Upstate Merch and co-host of the Shirt Show podcast. Dylan shares his journey of growing Upstate Merch from a small screen printing business to a large-scale, high-quality print shop. He discusses the challenges and triumphs he's experienced along the way and offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to scale their own businesses.

Key Takeaways:

Start small and grow gradually: Dylan emphasizes the importance of starting with a manageable workload and gradually scaling up as you gain experience and confidence. He explains how Upstate Merch began with a single manual press and eventually expanded to multiple automatic presses and a larger facility.

Invest in your team: Hiring the right people and creating a positive work culture is crucial to the success of your business. Dylan shares how investing in his team helped Upstate Merch achieve new levels of success and customer satisfaction.

Focus on quality: Dylan stresses the importance of producing high-quality products and maintaining consistency across all orders. He explains how Upstate Merch’s commitment to quality has been a key factor in building their reputation and attracting long-term clients.

Know your niche: Dylan advises entrepreneurs to identify their target market and specialize in serving that audience. He explains how Upstate Merch has found success by focusing on servicing the music, brewery, and local business industries.

Adapt to change: Embracing new technology and industry trends is essential for staying ahead of the competition. Dylan shares his experience with adopting new printing techniques, like water-based and discharge inks, and how this has given Upstate Merch a competitive edge.

Share your knowledge: Dylan discusses the impact of Shirt Show, the podcast he co-hosts with Andy Rudman of Shirt Kong. He shares how the podcast has become a platform for sharing industry knowledge, networking, and fostering a sense of community among print shop owners.

This episode offers a wealth of advice for print entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses and establish themselves in the industry. Dylan's journey with Upstate Merch is an inspiring example of how dedication, hard work, and a focus on quality can lead to success in the screen printing world.

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